MO Arthritis

Learn How CDSMP Works

Have you heard about the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP)?  Maybe you've heard of "CDSMP" but aren't really sure what it's all about.  Perhaps this is a brand new concept to you.  Or, you may have attended a six-week CDSMP course before, but aren't quite sure how to tell your friends and family what the program was all about.

The National Council on Aging has published an informational video on their ReStart Living page.  This video, seen below and linked here (http://youtu.be/MaXX5BtmFMk), provides some helpful information about the CDSMP.

If you are interested in learning more about a CDSMP workshop in Missouri, please contact your local Regional Arthritis Center or email us at moarthritis@gmail.com!

Arthritis Advocacy Update - Registration Open

Register TODAY for one of the following advocacy events in December

• Learn more about the recent election, the Arthritis Foundation’s priority areas and ways to get your voice heard!

Featured Speakers: 

• Laurie Markle:  National Public Policy Office – Grassroots Advocacy Manager
• Michele (Pfeilschifter) Guadalupe:  Heartland Region’s Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy

Choose from the following options:

Wednesday, December 12^th:  In-person workshop

• Where:  The Chateau (1601 Jumer Drive, Bloomington, IL)
• When:  Wednesday, December 12^th from 4pm – 7pm CST
  • 4pm – 5pm:  Registration/Buffet style dinner
  • 5pm – 7pm:  Advocacy Workshop
  • While the workshop is free, please register by Wednesday, December 5^th

• To register, go to:  http://AFAdvocacyBloomingtonIL.kintera.org/

Monday, December 17th:  Webinar from 6pm – 7:30pm CST

• To register, go to:  http://heartlandadvocacy.enterthemeeting.com/m/AFBJZUAI

Tuesday, December 18^th:  Webinar from Noon – 1:30pm CST

• To register, go to:  http://heartlandadvocacy.enterthemeeting.com/m/4X9EDO9G

**Please register for the webinars by Friday, December 14^th

For more information, please email Michele Guadalupe (mguadalupe@arthritis.org)

These trainings are supported, in part, through a grant from Pfizer

Learn more about Arthritis Foundation advocacy.

National Caregivers Month - Thank YOU!

Among us, there are many individuals who act in one capacity or another as a caregiver for a family member, neighbor, friend, or patient.  Specifically, according to the National Family Caregivers Association, there are more than 65 million family caregivers in the U.S. right now.  For many caregivers, this act of selfless service is not a job or requirement, but rather something they do on top of their other work and responsibilities out of love.  President Barack Obama declared November 2012 National Family Caregivers Month; the proclamation can be read in its entirety here.

Often, when providing care for individuals who are aging or with chronic health concerns, caregivers look for outside resources to help them provide the best, most efficient care.  The National Council on Aging has 6 resources they recommend all caregivers be aware of.  Medicare also provides a resource tip sheet for caregivers to make sure they are caring for themselves as well.  While both of these resources are rather brief, there are several extensive resources for caregivers.  Whether you are new to or more experienced in caregiving, taking some time to examine resources that are available to you as a caregiver can be extremely beneficial.  The National Alliance for Caregiving and Emblem Health released a document, Care for the Family Caregiver: A Place to Start, in 2005. Additionally, MetLife distributed a Resource for Caregivers in 2007 in conjunction with the National Alliance for Caregiving and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.

Caregiving can be a very tough, but rewarding, responsibility to shoulder.  Take some time this month to thank the caregivers you know for doing what they do.  And, be willing to offer them a break every once in awhile.  Thank you caregivers for everything you do!

Let's Talk Rheumatoid Arthritis - FREE Communications Kit

The Arthritis Foundation has a communications kit, "Let's Talk RA," available for individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).  This free kit is a great resource for individuals with RA who are looking to self-manage their condition.  It provides tools for communicating with health care professionals to determine a personal best course of treatment for RA.  Specifically, the kit offers:

• Tips to make the most of your appointments with your rheumatologist
• Information about treatment methods and options
• A patient notebook for recording important details
• And much more!

To find out more about the "Let's Talk RA" toolkit and to order your free copy, please visit www.letstalkra.org.

Arthritis Advocacy - Save the Date!

Save the Date!

The Heartland Region is hosting two Advocacy Events in December.

Learn how the recent election results will affect your access to arthritis care and future research funding, the Arthritis Foundation’s advocacy priority areas and ways to get your voice heard!

Featured Speakers:  

• Laurie Markle:  National Public Policy Office – Grassroots Advocacy Manager

• Michele (Pfeilschifter) Guadalupe:  Heartland Region’s Vice President of Advocacy & Public Policy

Choose from the following options:

• Monday, December 17th:  Webinar from 6pm – 7:30pm CST

• Tuesday, December 18th:  Webinar from Noon – 1:30pm CST

More details to come.  For more information or to reserve your spot, please email Michele Guadalupe (mguadalupe@arthritis.org). These trainings are supported, in part, through a grant from Pfizer.

Learn more about Arthritis Foundation advocacy.

MAOP Press Release - Regional Arthritis Centers Named

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact: Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program

November 5, 2012                                                                 (888) 702-8818

 

Regional Arthritis Centers Provide Courses and Resources to Local Missourians with Chronic Health Conditions

Missourians have a unique opportunity to access programs and resources for individuals with chronic health conditions and for caregivers of this population.  The Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program (MAOP) (www.moarthritis.org) partners with seven Regional Arthritis Centers (RACs).  Each RAC has the capacity to reach more people through their partnerships with local health systems, Area Agencies on Aging, University of Missouri Extension offices, and many other individuals and organizations.  The seven organizations hosting each of the RACs have recently been announced for the 2012-2013 year.

The Northwest Missouri RAC is again being hosted by Arthritis Community Services of St. Joseph, Missouri and covers 12 counties.  The RAC is situated within Heartland Health.  For more information on specific courses and educational resources offered by the Northwest RAC, please visit www.moarthritis.typepad.com/northwest_missouri_rac or call 1-800-443-8858.

The Northeast Missouri RAC is again being hosted by A.T. Still University of Health Sciences of Kirksville, Missouri and covers 16 counties.  For more information on specific courses and educational resources offered by the Northeast RAC, please call 1-866-626-2878 x2049 or visit www.moarthritis.typepad.com/northeast_missouri_rac.

The Kansas City Area RAC is again being hosted by Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri and covers 10 counties.  The RAC is situated within Rehabilitation Services at Saint Luke’s.  For more information on specific courses and educational resources offered by the Kansas City RAC, please visit www.moarthritis.typepad.com/kansas_city_area_rac or call 816-932-2351.

The Central Missouri RAC is again being hosted by the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri and covers 24 counties in mid-Missouri.  The RAC is situated within the School of Health Professions.  For more information on specific courses and educational resources offered by the Central RAC, please call 573-882-8097 or visit www.moarthritis.typepad.com/central_missouri_rac.

The Eastern RAC is being newly hosted by Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and covers 11 counties and St. Louis City.  The RAC is situated within the Program in Occupational Therapy.  For more information on specific courses and educational resources offered by the Eastern RAC, please visit www.moarthritis.typepad.com/eastern_missouri_rac or call 314-286-1625.

The Southwest Missouri RAC is again being hosted by Mercy Hospital (previously St. John’s) of Springfield, Missouri and covers 23 counties.  The RAC is situated within the Rheumatology clinic.  For more information on specific courses and educational resources offered by the Southwest RAC, please visit www.moarthritis.typepad.com/southwest_missouri_rac or call 1-800-835-5197.

The Southeast Missouri RAC is again being hosted by Saint Francis Medical Center and covers 18 counties.  For more information on specific courses and educational resources offered by the Southeast RAC, please visit www.moarthritis.typepad.com/southeast_missouri_rac or call 1-888-216-3293.

For a complete schedule of courses offered in all regions and to learn more about the seven RACs, click on your region at: www.moarthritis.org/regional-arthritis-centers.html.  If a course isn’t listed in your area, contact your RAC to begin a group or get added to a waiting list.  You can also contact the RAC to find out more about becoming a program leader.

 

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Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program
moarthritis@gmail.com